Ariolu Receives, Charges Rivers Utd Players

Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, last Monday, received two Obio/Akpor sons, Chigonum Ihunda and Darlington Ovunda, the Vice Captain and Goal Keeper of the Rivers United side that won the 2021/2022 NPFL Trophy, at the Council Headquarters, Rumuodomaya.
Ariolu, in a brief meeting at the Excecutive Chambers in the Council Secretariat, thanked both players for making a mark for themselves, proudly flying the flag of Obio/Akpor high and encouraged them to continue to contribute positively to the narrative changing process of his administration.
The chairman commended the duo and the entire Rivers United team for their commitment, discipline and resilience towards their emergence as champions of the Nigerian Professional Football League in the just concluded 2021/2022 season.
He also called for improved synergy between the players and the council to further encourage the development of sports and build on the achievements of his administration in human capacity development.
While reacting to the victory, Ariolu acknowledged the contributions of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, particularly his personal efforts in reorganising the Rivers United team in 2015 which has led to their emergence as champions of the nation.
Ariolu, who reiterated his administration’s focus and vision to the people, said he would continue to identify with the successes of the people of Obio/Akpor in all spheres.
He added that the victory and success that the duo have brought to the area was worthy of commendation.
While congratulating the players on their success, he advised youths in the area to emulate the good examples of the vice captain and goal keeper, especially in their level of discipline and focus in achieving success.
He further admonished youths to follow in the direction of the players, condemning the high level of drug abuse and other crime-related cases amongst youths.
Ariolu, while complimenting the contributions of Wike to the team, splashed the sum of N500,000.00 on each of the players as part of encouragement to the Rivers United Vice Captain and Goal Keeper.
On their part, Ihunda and Ovunda, who pledged to continue making the area proud, described the Chairman as a winner following the team’s recent victory.
The vice captain also assured the chairman and members of his cabinet of more glory to his administration, adding that they would not fail in flying the flag of the local government higher to the continental and world levels.

By: Nelson Chukwudi